Chapter 26
Leo and I walked out the doors of our palazzo into the brisk evening air. The first stars danced overhead. The setting sun left a trail of orange and gold streaking across the cornflower blue sky.
Music played from all corners. Waves of laughter rippled through the crowds. The air was electric, powered by my nerves and the collective energy of the millions of people making their way to San Marco Square for Carnival.
Couples danced and twirled as they walked. Not everyone would be at the ball at Doge”s Palace, but it didn’t matter. All of Venice would dance tonight.
“So, we are not going to debrief on that right now?” Leo said, as we stood right outside our courtyard.
“No,” I said, exhaling. “Not enough time in the world.”
“You know she could go tell your father everything,” he said.
“She won’t.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“I’m not. I just believe her pain is real. She let Sara down. I have to believe she won’t fail me too.”
“Then I believe, too,” Leo said. “Let’s go.”
Leo and I wove through the dancing couples toward the first bridge, and over the canal toward San Marco Square. As the sky darkened, I couldn’t help but think of the night I wandered the streets looking for sleep. Broken and sad, I didn’t find peace, but I found Dylan.
I crashed into him and never stopped falling. Yes, he acted like an ass, but I couldn’t resist that smile, the sparkle in his eyes. He surprised me that night and every day since.
I shivered remembering our very first night together. We kissed in the piazza and all I wanted was him.
Goosebumps traveled down my body as I remembered the sensation of his hands on my body, his lips marking a trail between my legs, his hard cock pushing inside me, coaxing me to climax with every thrust.
He was a memory now. I needed to be grateful for the time we spent together. I was moving on.
The crowds slowed us down and it took five times as long to make it half the distance. Leo kept checking his phone and encouraging me to hurry.
Finally, we turned down a narrow corridor, blocked by wall-to-wall people. We inched forward until we stood just inside the piazza in the very spot where I proposed Dylan a night of sex and magic.
“Would you like to embrace the magic of sex for one night of pleasure in Venice?”
We each delivered on that promise and it was over now. Standing in San Marco, masquerading as a bride and planning an attack against Street Entertainment, I realized I was braver then I gave myself credit for. I found the courage to proposition Dylan and tonight I would crush his brother’s plans.
The square was a madhouse of masked and costumed party-goers. The air smelled of perfume and sweet drinks. A hum of conversation and laughter mixed with the sound of stringed instruments. A symphony of artists sat on a stage, facing St. Mark’s Cathedral and the entrance to the palace.
A series of raised platforms started in one corner, spanned the square and ended at Doge”s Palace. It was the Parade of Divas, and a steady line of fashionistas strutted down the catwalk on their way to the ball. Spotlights danced over the columns of the square. A group of people jockeying for a better look at the models blocked Leo and me from moving.
“Another way,” I said, taking Leo’s hand. The walk to San Marco had taken much longer than expected and now the greatest challenge was ahead of us. We needed to make it to the steps of the palace for the ceremony. We had fifteen minutes to cross the square.
Leo and I elbowed our way through the gawking crowd, past one of the main runways. Above me, a woman in a bright yellow-and-gold dress with a mask of jewels spun in circles, prancing and preening for the crowd. Behind her followed a steady stream of beautiful creatures.
We made it to a roped off area where the carabinieri formed a line to organize the crowd and regulate foot traffic. One of the officers stepped forward and raised his hand just as Leo and I were about to cross.
“Hold on,” I said, gripping Leo’s arm. “Look, look, look, it’s Dante.”
“That prick,” Leo said.
“I know,” I said, smiling as a planned formed. Dante Camarda, the boy who kissed like soft oatmeal, and the man who shared video of my night with Dylan at the Lido Glass Factory, waved Leo and me forward.
“You need to go around the long way,” he said.
“Dante,” I said, forcing my voice to be overly bright. “It’s Bella, you know, Isabella Uzano.”
He opened his mouth and inhaled before clearing his throat. “I didn’t recognize you with the mask.”
“Bella, if we have to walk the long way, we need to go now,” Leo said.
“It’s okay,” I said. “Dante is going to let us through. Aren’t you, Dante?”
“I am?” he said.
“Yes,” I stepped forward. “The thing is, you have seen me, Dante. In fact, you have seen parts of me you shouldn’t. I am pretty sure that stealing a surveillance video and sharing the stolen video with a civilian isn’t legal.
“Especially when that video exploits a woman in one of her most private and personal moments. I know I didn’t break any laws that night, but I am pretty fucking sure you did, Dante.”
“Bella,” he said, his ruddy cheeks turned ashen. “I destroyed the tape.”
“After you shared it.”
His eyes widened. “But after that, I did. I promise.”
“I know all about it, Dante, and you are a god damn liar.”
“And you kiss like a flounder,” Leo said, under his breath.
I stifled what would have been an explosive laugh. “Too bad you behaved like a sex criminal. Leo and I need to get to Doge”s Palace in the next few minutes, so let us pass.”
Dante glanced up at the runway next to him. A line of models and dancers waited to ascend the stairs. A woman dressed as what only can be described as a Victorian Mermaid Queen was next. Her make-up artist stood in front of her holding a kit and touching up her glittered cheeks.
“Can you two handle the cat walk?” Dante asked.
“Yes,” Leo blurted, grabbing my arm. “Yes. We. Can.”
Dante pushed past the mermaid queen at the front of the line and held back the queue so we could walk up the stairs to the catwalk.
“We even?” he mumbled as I walked past.
“Not even close,” I said, “but it’s a start.”
At the top of the stairs, a woman with a clipboard ushered people onto the catwalk in time with the music. She held her hand up as two men wearing matching silver-and-red suits slow danced past us. With slicked back hair and matching handlebar mustaches, they glittered and twirled.
“Go,” the woman said, nodding. Leo and I stepped onto the catwalk and under the heat of the lights. I curtsied. Leo bowed and took my hand.
We sashayed in time with the music, walking above the crowd. As if in a dream, we glided along the catwalk, every step moving us closer to the steps of Doge”s Palace.
An enormous flower archway marked the end of the procession. A woman with faerie wings hung suspended from the top of the arch on a glittering swing.
“And now we have Sir. Evan Langley and his partner, Sir. Leon Bing,” A woman dressed as an Egyptian goddess announced the couple ahead of us.
“The costumes are inspired by the days of Commedia Dell’Arte. Their dance is an homage to all lovers and the patron saint of today’s celebration, Eros.”
Oh, dear God. She was narrating this fashion show. What would she say about Leo and me? Were we even on her list? We were so close to the palace now.
Beyond the flower arch, I saw a wall of red lights with an enormous heart in the middle that pulsed in time with the music. Couples gathered in front of the heart, holding hands, kissing. I spotted enough traditional white veils to recognize our destination.
Leo and stepped into the spotlight. “And now we have a delightful pair, a secretive pair, a surprise pair,” the Egyptian goddess said. “The beauty of Carnival is the unexpected, and this next couple is a mystery of ivory and gold.”
The clock tower began a slow chime announcing the time. One. Two.
“We’re late for a wedding!” Leo shouted. He grabbed my hand and dragged me forward as the crowd roared.
“These young lovers can’t wait to stand before Cupid and profess their love for each other. What a celebration!”
Three. Four We took the stairs off the catwalk two at a time. I spotted Lissa in the crowd jumping and waving at us. Five. Six.
We reached Lissa, a vision in silver and blue. “You’re late. Bella, sign!” She held a piece of paper on Leo’s back and pointed to the signature line. I signed my name.
“And here,” she said. I signed again.
Seven. Eight. Lissa sprinted and delivered the certificate to a man dressed as a guardian angel. A quartet of musicians dressed as Greek gods and goddesses began to play.
“We did it,” I gasped. “We made it.” I looked around. “Leo?”
He was gone. Lissa rushed back with flushed cheeks. Her long blonde hair braided and wrapped around her head like a Contessa. Her silver mask was back in place.
“I can’t find Leo,” I said, seized with panic. “And where is Roberto?”
“It’s okay,” Lissa said. “The license was filed in time. Now you just need to say ‘I do.’ I see him.” She pointed toward the front of the crowd. Roberto wore a black hooded cape. A gold mask covered most of his face.
“Go,” Lissa said, nudging me toward him. “Leo and I will find you after.”
This was really happening. On shaking legs, I made my way through the crowd, careful to watch my step as I navigated the uneven stairs. I concentrated on not falling and kept Roberto in my sights. Taller than most of the crowd, he guided me forward like a landmark.
“Welcome, lovers!” A man wearing a red suit, white vest, and fullfaced silver mask greeted the crowd with a booming voice. He spun in a circle showing off his wings and wiggling his backside.
“I am Cupid, your guide. You are here tonight to wed, am I right?” He jumped in the air and kicked his legs as if he were made of air. “If you aren’t, best to step away. The marital magic of Cupid is impossible to bend or break. Watch out, or you may end up married to your neighbor.”
I lifted the hem of my dress and edged my way closer to Roberto. A bride stepped on my skirt, forcing me to tug myself free. She stood totally oblivious, mesmerized by Cupid and holding the hand of her groom.
“Now for all of you that have registered, this union will be blessed by the Pope himself.” He paused. “I’m kidding. No Pope. I am your guide tonight. And lovers, before we go any farther, please take the hand of your beloved.”
The crowd calmed and gaps opened up as couples moved together. A path opened up that lead me straight to Roberto. “Hey,” I said. “I didn’t think I was going to make it.”
“Lovers, face your beloved!” Cupid shouted. The musicians began a slow beat of a drum, reminiscent of a battle song.
I faced Roberto. Cape on, he lowered his head as if in prayer. I imagined he was nervous. I didn’t know what to do with my hands so I held them in front of my waist as if I holding an invisible bouquet. I closed my eyes.
I was about to marry Roberto Bianco. I didn’t feel the anxiety I’d felt in the church six months ago. I knew my purpose I understood the stakes. I did not love him, but at least I knew why I was here.
“Do you lovers promise to love each other, to fuck and make love to each other until your bodies ache and your souls transcend this mortal plane?”
“Yes!” the crowd roared.
Well, this was not exactly the marriage vow I’d been expecting.
“It’s fine,” I whispered to Roberto, feeling embarrassed for us both. “We know what we are doing.”
He nodded. His head lowered.
“Say ‘I do,’ you dirty, gorgeous creatures.” Cupid danced. Behind him a group of women dressed as cherubs lit torches. The steady beat of the drums erupted into chaos as the band broke out into song.
“I, Cupid, the king of love, the father of sex, and the harbinger of orgasms pronounce you all lovers and lovers. You are bound together by the holy light of Eros and the binding light of Italian law. You are married. now go forth and love. Go forth and fuck. Go forth and party because Eros commands it.” Cupid spun on his toes. “And do make sure you pick up your marriage certificate at the end of the line.”
Couples kissed and cheered. Some leapt into each other’s arms. A few stood perfectly still, holding each other, sobbing. It was more moving than I expected.
“Let’s go,” I said to Roberto. We were first in line for paperwork. Roberto scanned the table and picked up our certificate. I texted Lissa.
It’s done. Call the lawyers.
A few steps behind Roberto, I followed him into the Dodge’s Palace. We were officially husband and wife.
Robertoand I stopped in the cupola just inside the main entrance of the palace. People danced and laughed all around us, migrating like a flock of beautiful birds or a school of fish.
Inside the ball, the costumes — or lack of costumes — became even more elaborate. A few people walked through the room in nothing but silver and gold paint. The lights inside shimmered, shifting from blue to red to green and back again. Contortionists bent and twirled while suspended from golden rings overhead. STOP HERE
“We did it,” I said, leaning against the wall beside Roberto. “I can’t imagine what my father and James are going to say when they find out they can’t close today.”
The walls vibrated as a band played in the main ballroom. The dancing would continue until sunrise. A couple stopped in front of us, embracing in a passionate kiss. The woman’s head dipped back as her lover lowered her toward the ground in a slow-motion dance move.
They looked so in love and I was now married to the wrong man for the right reasons. My breath caught as my adrenaline plummeted. The stress and the rush to get here hit me. My body craved sleep, and I felt sad surrounded by true love.
I closed my eyes. “Can we go home now?”
“Touch me,” A voice said.
My eyes snapped open. Roberto stood in front of me, his head lowered, the hood of his cape obscuring his face.
“Touch me,” he repeated.
I froze, my mouth dry. “Say that again,” I said, my heart pounding.
He stepped closer. “Touch me, Bella.”
A finger traced across the lace and up the length of my arm. Chills rippled through my body. The way my body responded to his touch was undeniable.
This was a man who knew how to love me in ways I’d never imagined. His every touch felt like foreplay. He lowered his hood exposing his golden mask and lifting his mask so I could see his face.
“Dylan,” I said, feeling as though I couldn’t breathe. “No. Why are you here? I don’t understand.”
“Hello, clever Bella.”
Stunned I looked into the deep brown eyes of the man who made me come and shake harder than any lover before him. He gave me pleasure beyond my wildest dreams. Climaxing in his arms, I fell through stars.
He also lied to me, deceived my family, and now pretended to be my fiancé for what reason, I did not know. Dylan Street was the man I just married.
In a nanosecond, my desire and anger formed an emotional tornado that I unleashed. “You lying son of a bitch,” I shouted, and slapped him in the face.
He caught my hand on the recoil.
“Listen,” he said.
“Are we married?” I asked, shaking. “Did you just fucking marry me on the steps of Doge”s Palace?”
“I couldn’t let you do it,” he said.
“You don’t get to let me do anything. You don’t understand what you’ve done. Roberto and I are going to stop this acquisition. What is wrong with you?” My eyes filled with tears.
“I do understand, Bella,” he said. “You have to trust me.”
“Trust you? You lied to me the night we met. You lied to me about your brother’s intentions and now you’ve tricked me into marrying you.” My hands balled in fists at my side.
I didn’t know what to do. What was I supposed to do? Where were Leo, Lissa and Roberto? I needed to fix this now. “You need to get the fuck away from me.”
“Listen to me, Bella,” Dylan said.
I put both hands on his chest and pushed him away. “I just married you under false pretenses.” Looking into his dark eyes, I wondered how I ever mistook this man for Roberto.
“You can do undo everything with a quick divorce, Bella,” Dylan said. “You never wanted to marry Roberto. Your goal was to get the votes you needed to stop the acquisition.”
“I don’t need you to mansplain my life to me,” I said. “I know why I was marrying Roberto and you have just fucked it all up. Your family has a really bad habit of destroying things that don’t belong to them. Well congratulations. You’ve done it. Your brother wins.”
“I don’t want James to win.”
“Bullshit,” I said. “You know, I could sue you. You should be arrested for impersonating my fiancé.”
“Oh, don’t call him that,” Dylan said, giving a low laugh.
“You can’t tell me what I can or can’t call people.”
“If you would stop ranting at me for just a few seconds, you might actually have the brain power to think this through.”
“Oh my God. You are such a condescending asshole. You can’t help yourself.”
“I’m trying to explain,” he said. “You are impossible to communicate with.”
“Should we get couples counseling, dear?” Rage pumped through my limbs along with an undercurrent of sexual tension. I hated feeling desire for him still. It formed an uncuttable cord to bind us.
“Bella, you only thought about killing the deal from one side,” Dylan said, running a hand through his hair.
“Right, because there are only two sides. Us and you.”
“What do you think happens if I dissent as an active member of the board of directors for Street Entertainment.”
“But you didn’t,” I said, my mind slowing down enough to consider a scenario where I wasn’t the only one fighting James.
“You were focused on forging an alliance with Roberto,” Dylan said. “You never thought about what happens if you formed an alliance with me.”
“Is that what you’ve done?” I asked. “Aligned with me?”
“It’s me and you,” he said, stepping closer. “You see now, don’t you.”
For a moment, I stopped fighting. We stood bathed in the shifting lights of carnival. “There is no you and me,” I said, my voice shaking.
Music thumping, a glittering pink nymph holding a tray of cocktails offered us drinks. Dylan waved her off. I called her back, grabbed one glass in each hand and downed them both, one after the other. There wasn’t enough alcohol in the world for a moment like this.
Stepping closer to me, Dylan boldly traced his finger up and down my lace covered arms sending another wave of shivers rippling through my body. “You might be right. Maybe there is no ‘us’ after this.”
“Don’t,” I said, but I didn’t move. I leaned into his touch.
“There is a ‘you’ and ‘me’ tonight. We just got married.” He stepped even closer. His body slid into place beside me, warm and strong. “As husband and wife, we are the single biggest shareholders in Street Entertainment. The deal is dead. It stopped the moment we said ‘I do’.”
He pulled a phone out of his pocket. The screen lit up in the dark. He pointed to an email subject line.
Uzano Merger blocked (document attached)
“The story will break within the hour.”
“How did you do this?” I said, my pulse racing in panic and confusion. “I messaged Lissa. I told her I married Roberto.”
“Lissa already knows,” he said. “She helped make sure the right paperwork was in place when you signed with the cherubs. Roberto knows too.”
My mind replayed the events of the last hour. It was a blur, but I remembered signing my name, using Leo’s back as a table, twice. “Was that even a marriage certificate? What did I sign?”
Dylan shrugged, his lips curling into a gorgeous, crooked grin. “You signed two documents. The marriage certificate and our dissenting vote which killed the deal.”
I looked up into his deep brown eyes. “It’s over?”
“James is a fierce son-of-a-bitch and he will try to get the courts to reverse the filing, but he is also bright as fuck. He doesn’t have the votes and he can’t get them, on either side. He will give up.”
I let his words sink in as I tried to put the pieces of his plan together. “Who else knew about this? You obviously had help.”
“Truth?” he said, raising his hands in the air.
“Truth,” I said, the word sounding like a vow.
“Leo called me as soon as he knew you agreed to marry Roberto. I had already checked out of the hotel. I didn’t think you wanted to see me again.”
“So you were leaving me,” I said.
“Bella,” he said, “I never wanted to leave you. I hurt you and I was afraid you would never forgive me.”
Dylan stood close to me. I reached out and touched the fabric of his shirt. His chest rose and fell beneath my fingertips.
“I wished you had talked to me,” I said.
“Once you agreed to marry Roberto, everything changed. I knew I had to help you, and stop the vote. I wanted both. I want both, Bella. I want you. I have from the moment you propositioned me in the moonlight.”
My resolve crumbled and I rested my forehead against his chest inhaling the familiar and sexy scent of him. It was over. The acquisition was dead.
Everything in my world was changed, but Dylan was still here. I wanted him to wrap his arms around me. He was the only thing that was real in this beautiful masquerade.
“Does my family know what we’ve done?” I asked.
“Probably,” he said. “Your mother definitely does.”
“My father will be furious.”
“He may be, but once he learns of James’s plans, I am sure he’ll understand.”
“Truth?” I asked.
“Truth.”
I reached up and put my arms around his neck, pulling his lips close to mine. My lips brushed against his. “You did all this, even though you know I am going to divorce you?”
“I would expect nothing less,” he said, smiling. “Can I please just fuck your brains out first, my wife?” His lips teasing me, he slipped his arm around my lower back.
“I would expect nothing less.”
We kissed, and as desire flamed in my core, I wondered how I ever planned to live without this man and his touch.
Dylan pulled away and smiled down at me. “One question. Are you going to change your name?”
“Fuck you,” I said, giggling I gave him another quick kiss.
“So am I changing my name? We are really going to have to figure this out, or naming the children is going to be very complicated.”
“You want children?” I said, surprised by how my heart burst open, speaking those words. “How does that work if I’m divorcing you.”
“Well, you haven’t divorced me yet.”
I took his hand and dragged him into a corner. “Kiss me again,” I said, leaning against the cold stone wall. I grabbed his belt buckle and jerked his body close, his erection pressing against me. “Kiss me and promise me you’ll never leave me again.”
“Never,” he said. “I will never leave you again.” He kissed me, and like every other lover in the cupola, I imagined we were the only two people in the room.
.